In a return to coercive sterilization policies from the early 20th century, a judge in White County, Tennessee, is providing inmates 30 days credit toward jail time if they undergo a sterilization or contraception procedure.
General Sessions Judge Sam Benningfield signed a standing order on May 15, 2017, providing that men who undergo a vasectomy, and women who have a long-term contraceptive implanted in their arms, will get 30 days off their jail sentence. Both procedures are to be performed by the Tennessee Department of Health. State health officials have reported an increase in crimes involving opioid pain pills and heroin in recent years, especially in rural communities like White County.
First elected in 1988, the judge said he decided to implement the program to help people with convictions “start thinking about taking responsibility for themselves.” In an interview with WTVF, he explained, “I hope to encourage them at some point finally to take, you know, personal responsibility and to give them a chance, if/when they do get out, not to be burdened again with additional children.”